1 Samuel 28

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 28 of 31

1 And in those days it happened that the Philistines gathered their armies to go forth to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, Knowing you know that you shall go out with me in the army, you and your men.

2 And David said to Achish, Therefore you shall know that which your servant will do. And Achish said to David, Then I appoint you keeper of my head all the days.

3 And Samuel was dead. And all Israel had mourned for him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his city. And Saul had taken away the mediums and spirit-knowers out of the land.

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Chapter Summary

Achish puts confidence in David. Saul, having destroyed the mediums, now being forsaken of God, seeks a medium. She raises Samuel. Saul hears of his ruin and faints.

Key Hebrew Words

אוֹב medium, necromancer H178 · TWOT 37a
יִדְּעֹנִי spirit-knower, familiar spirit H3049 · TWOT 848d
קָסַם divine, practice divination H7080 · TWOT 2044
דָּרַשׁ inquire, consult H1875 · TWOT 455
קָרַע tear away (the kingdom) H7167 · TWOT 2074
מְעִיל robe H4598 · TWOT 1230b

People & Context

Saul

King of Israel who, abandoned by Jehovah, secretly consults a medium at En-dor on the eve of battle

Samuel

The dead prophet brought up by the medium, who pronounces Saul's doom and the loss of his kingdom

The medium of En-dor

Woman with a familiar spirit whom Saul visits in disguise to summon Samuel, then feeds the terrified king

Achish

Philistine king of Gath who summons David to join his army against Israel

David

Servant of Achish, named as the neighbor to whom Jehovah is giving Saul's kingdom

Timeline

Achish Drafts David for War

As the Philistines gather to fight Israel, Achish expects David and his men to join his army, appointing David as his permanent bodyguard.

1 Samuel 28:1-2
Saul's Despair at Gilboa

The Philistines camp at Shunem, and Israel camps at Gilboa. Seeing the massive Philistine army, Saul is terrified, but God refuses to answer his inquiries.

1 Samuel 28:3-6
Saul Consults the Medium at En-dor

Despite having previously banned mediums, Saul disguises himself and travels at night to En-dor to ask a medium to bring up the spirit of Samuel.

1 Samuel 28:7-14

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Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

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